Paddling Burrows Island With My Best Friend

I had the pleasure of spending the day paddling with M again today. We went to Burrows Island departing from Washington Park in Anacortes. This time of year is actually really nice for paddling because nobody else is. We were able to park right next to the beach without a single other car in the parking lot. No other kayakers or power boats around. Although there were a few power boats later. The wind was calm with no waves and more importantly no fog.

As we paddled along we were quickly greeted by a curious seal. M loves the creatures and today wouldn’t disappoint. As we paddled past Fidalgo head we hit the first rough water of the day. We paddled through some confused chop that threw us about and added a little excitement. The current was pretty minimal but it still helped us along. Kind of nice being a hitch hiker on Nature’s Highway. I enjoy taking a break from paddling, yet still being able to watch the shore pass by as the current carries us along. We took a break at the Burrows Island Lighthouse. The tide was in and we had to scurry along the rocks a bit to make it to the stairs. Still not a sole to be seen. I love having these places to myself.

We continued paddling around Burrows enjoying the company of a few more seals. Allan Island soon came into view. This little island is owned by Paul Allen. It was named after William Henry Allen, a captain in the U.S. Navy who was killed in the battle between the Argus and the Pelican during the War of 1812. It was not named after Paul Allen who is of Microsoft fame and the owner of the Seattle Seahawks. Plus if you have a few extra pennies laying around you can be the proud owner of this island. It is currently for sale for $19.5 million. See for yourself. Three otters were playing along the shore. By the time we were close enough to get a view they had scurried off into the water. First time I have ever seen otters anywhere other than Alaska. Although otters in these parts are river otters not like the Sea Otters in Alaska.

We stopped at the Burrows Island campsite. A part of the Cascadia Marine Trail. Today would have been perfect for camping. Not a sole around. We ate our lunch and continued on our way. Next creature on the San Juan creature tour, Porpoises. At least two of them were swimming along in Burrows Pass. Then a few more seals along the way back to Washington Park along with numerous birds such as Grebes, Oyster Catchers and Cormorants to name a few.

I’ve been doing a lot of paddling on the lake lately. It just doesn’t compare to the salt water. The water on the lake is so still and boring. Even when the wind is blowing and the waves pick up there just isn’t the life to the water that I feel in the salt water. The currents, tides, waves, and all the different animals make the water in the San Juans feel alive some how and so much more dynamic.

The park was a little bit busier when we returned, but still quiet enough to be pleasurable. The quality time I got with M today was wonderful. I hate to see the day end.

---

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• Galápagos: Day 6
• Fažana, a few miles northwest of Pula, is the star
• Getting away from it all…